Good morning. We’re leading today with two stories that show Labor are running into the real stuff of government. First we have an exclusive interview with the defence minister, Richard Marles, in which he says the government does not have “limitless” resources and faces tough choices on military spending. We also have an Essential poll showing Anthony Albanese’s approval rating has dipped. Plus all the other domestic and international news, and fine reporting on a sobering night in Melbourne for Alex de Minaur at the hands of Novak Djokovic.
Australia
Approval dip | Anthony Albanese’s approval rating has dropped five points over the summer from 60% to 55% as the Labor government battles high inflation, rising interest rates and high energy prices. The prime minister is also entering a high-stakes effort to secure a referendum win for the Indigenous voice to parliament amid spoiling tactics from the opposition leader, Peter Dutton.
Exclusive | Defence minister Richard Marles says he will increase spending as per Labor’s election pledge, but does not rule out that the first new nuclear submarines could be built overseas. Australia’s defence priority would be driven by “how we hold any potential adversary at risk at greater distance from our shores”.
Lehrmann decision | The Australian Capital Territory government is next week expected to name the head of its inquiry into the handling of the Bruce Lehrmann case and release the probe’s terms of reference.
Alice strife | Pressure is growing on the Northern Territory government to ban alcohol sales in Alice Springs in an attempt to restore law and order to the troubled town.
Food fight | An immigration detainee served a contaminated meal at a hotel in Melbourne was not offered an alternative because the maggots were “just on the vegetables”, a report by the federal watchdog has found.
World
‘My heart sank’ | A California dance hall worker who disarmed a shooter who had killed at least 10 people in Monterey Park just minutes before has described the harrowing encounter. “My heart sank,” he said. “I knew I was going to die.”
On the brink | Japan’s plummeting birthrate means it is on the verge of being unable to continue to function as a society, the country’s prime minister Fumio Kishida says.
Covid toll | Some experts estimate that up to a million Chinese people may have died after health officials said that about 80% of China’s population has been infected with Covid-19 since restrictions were lifted in early December.
Modi move | The Indian government has invoked emergency laws to block a BBC documentary examining the role of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, during riots in the western state of Gujarat in 2002.
‘Bikinis and balaclavas’ | A Northern Ireland resort has apologised for causing offence by advertising a “bikinis and balaclavas” spa package, but said it would continue offering the service.
Full Story
Biden, Trump and those classified documents
The discovery of batches of classified documents on Joe Biden’s property presents a headache for the president – but his case is quite different from that of Donald Trump, reports David Smith in Washington.
In-depth
No Miracles Needed is the title of a new book from Prof Mark Jacobson, an influential Stanford University academic, who argues that the world can rapidly get 100% of its energy from renewable sources and help solve the climate crisis. “We have wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, electric cars … We have 95% of the technologies right now that we need to solve the problem,” he tells our UK-based environment writer Damian Carrington.
Not the news
In the latest of our series on the best advice you’ve ever had, our comment editor Bridie Jabour recalls how her mother helped her manage the stresses of dealing with a new-born. After correcting her husband about how to bathe their son, Bridie’s mum warned her “don’t become the expert” – wise counsel that has enabled them to co-parent successfully ever since.
The world of sport
Australian Open | Novak Djokovic crushed local hope Alex de Minaur in straight sets at the Rod Laver Arena last night, and looks like he has got the “winning look”. Meanwhile, the tournament is sticking with its “fluffy” Dunlop balls despite criticism from players. And the Netflix documentary Break Point is being blamed for the early departure from the tournament of featured players.
Cricket | Meg Lanning says the women’s team are united behind Indigenous star Ashleigh Gardner and her criticism of the side playing on 26 January.
Football | Everton have sacked Frank Lampard as manager after a calamitous series of results that has left them second bottom of the Premier League.
Media roundup
NT News says the territory chief minister, Natasha Fyles, is flying to Alice Springs today to listen to concerns about rising crime after the lifting of an alcohol ban, but she has told the Australian that she will not back any “race-based” intervention. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that police investigating the killings of elderly campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay listened to 5,000 covert recordings of the man accused of their murder. The mother of a Brisbane woman who died at a Sunshine Coast beach has told the Courier Mail she is devastated at her daughter’s death.
What’s happening today
Extradition hearing | An extradition hearing for the suspect in the Toyah Cordingley killing is expected in New Delhi.
Education report | The Cost of Education Index 2023 report will be released.
Oscar tips | The Oscar nominations will be announced later today with Cate Blanchett likely to lead the Australian challenge for her performance in Tár.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords and the free Wordiply game to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
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